If
you've noticed that the prince doesn't appear to be
himself in the last couple of adventures, it's because
he's actually two selves. Through the use of sands
of time, he's become infected and has developed a
split personality. The new personality is the Dark
Prince. He's more aggressive and arrogant than the
likeable version of the prince. He's also more powerful.
He wields a large, chain-like whip called the Daggertail
which can kill several enemies with one blow. It can
also be used as grapple to pull himself up walls or
across chasms. It doesn't require precise aiming,
it's got a large target radius. As long as you swing
it around it will manage to do some damage.

Using
the Dark Prince will cost you in energy. His health
is continually and rapidly depleting. You will regain
health by killing enemies and absconding their sand
but when performing puzzles you will find yourself
under a time limit since there is no way to replenish
your health until you solve the puzzle. It puts the
pressure on you but it's like using "turbo"
on any other game. It's more like a power-up in that
the effects are only temporary. The good prince is
still a good source of action-oriented moves.

A
new move called the "speed kill" really
brings the combat up a few notches - and paces. It
really speeds things up when confronted by several
enemies. Armed with your sword you will press the
speed kill button when the screen goes a little blurry,
allowing your character to execute a violent finishing
move. An icon will appear on the screen cueing you
to press the button again. You may have to press it
four or five times depending on the strength of the
enemy. The finishing moves are graphic. Enemies are
beheaded, disemboweled or split in half in no time
at all, allowing you to clear out an area quickly
and get on with your adventure. Speed kills can also
be used for boss battles, though you will be required
to employ a lot of your other skills to get in good
positions and out of bad ones. Prince of Persia is
not renowned for its combat but with the new speed
kill moves we are gifted a new dimension to the gameplay.

As
if there isn't enough gameplay variety, chariot races
are also included. Taking control of a team of horses
should be child's play but these beasts are about
as difficult to control as a car with a broken steering
pump. In all actually, it's the course that is hard
to navigate. Some of the walls really squeeze you
in making the course very narrow where any mistake
could be costly. You would think that the horses would
have enough sense not to smash into a wall even if
they are accidentally nudged in that direction. Fortunately
you can rewind the game if you make a mistake, as
long as you have some sand left - which this chariot
racing can deplete quite rapidly.

Environments
include an artist's rendering of a large Arabian city
including a palace and the mythical tower of Babylon.
Outside the perimeter are caves, waterways and an
expansive desert. All of the architecture fits in
perfectly with the Middle-Eastern theme. The whole
look of the game straddles the fence between fantasy
and reality. The animation of the prince is astounding.
His movements are fluid and incredibly realistic.
Even his beard flows in the breeze.

The
music reflects the Arabian theme. Instead of guitar
riffs we get tones and scales from instruments more
appropriate to the theme. The voiceacting is great
and occasionally displays the game's sense of humor.
As seriously fun as this game is, it doesn't take
itself too seriously. There are moments when the characters
are self-aware that they are characters in a game.

The
prince is one of the best action heroes in videogames
today. He's capable of performing an entire circus
routine with just a few button pushes. It can take
a player anywhere from 10 to 20 hours to compete the
game, and replay value is rather low so you will want
to heavily consider whether you want to rent or purchase
it. Either way you're in for a great gaming experience.

Features:

Play
and master two distinct characters

Wield
the powers and weapons of two master warriors with
different combat styles, attitudes, and histories.

Choose
your way to kill

Master
the expanded Free-Form Fighting system to destroy
enemies in your own style; strangle enemies from
afar with the deadly Daggertail; or use a new stealth
art to inflict surprise decapitations - the choice
is yours.

ControlSpeed
kills add a new dimension to the combat
system and pick up the pace of the game
overall.

4.4

Music
/ Sound FX / Voice ActingFrom
the music to the voiceovers you won't have
any trouble believing your in an enchanted
and antiquated land.

3.8

Play
ValueLack
of collectibles, modes and freedom to explore
firmly closes the gate on this one after
it's done, but it's one wild ride the first
time through.

4.8

Overall
Rating -
Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend above
for a final score breakdown.

Preview
By Vaughn

Updated
screens! The Prince of Persia, a seasoned
warrior, returns from the Island of Time to Babylon
with his love, Kaileena. Instead of the peace that
he longs for, he finds his homeland ravaged by war
and the kingdom turned against him. The Prince is
rapidly captured and Kaileena has no choice but to
sacrifice herself and unleash the Sands of Time in
order to save him. Now cast out on the streets and
hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that
past battles have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince,
whose spirit gradually possesses him.

Prince
of Persia 3 promises to be THE best instalment in
the legendary franchise, said Tony Kee, vice
president of marketing for Ubisoft. By combining
two playable characters in a masterly balanced gameplay,
with the perfect mix of acrobatic moves and a compelling
storyline, the Prince of Persia will appeal to both
Sands of Time and Warrior Within fans alike. The Prince
is back to reclaim his kingdom, and he has a few surprises
in store 

Game
features include:

Play and master two distinct characters: Wield the
powers and weapons of two master warriors with different
combat styles, attitudes, and histories.

Choose
your way to fight: Master the expanded Free-Form
Fighting system to destroy enemies in your own style;
strangle enemies from afar with the deadly Daggertail;
or surprise them with full-speed one-shot kills
using a brand new stealth art. The choice is yours.

Immerse
yourself in a dramatic story: Experience unparalleled
depth in storytelling as you fight your way through
a twisting tale filled with adrenaline, tension
and discovery.

Manipulate
time to surprise enemies: Execute powerful attacks
against entire armies by slowing down or rewinding
time, or surprise them by using some all-new Sands
of Time powers.

Experience
a masterful blend of gameplay: True to the Prince
of Persia® franchise, the game provides a variety
of action combat, agility and story-driven puzzles
 all masterfully blended together into a rich
gaming experience.